Reagan Library GOP Debate

[Bond]

Day: September 7th
Time: 8pm EST on MSNBC and CNBC
Location: Reagan Library in Simi Valley, CA
Sponsors: Reagan Library, NBC News and Politico
Participants: Perry, Paul, Huntsman, Romney, Santorum, Gingrich, Bachmann, Cain

Should be interesting.

[Professor S]

Compared to the FoxNews debate, this is a shitshow. I think the candidates are doing well, but the moderators and production are terrible.

[Professor S]

Did Ron Paul have an extra cup of coffee before the debate? He's more twitchy than usual. Its a shame, because while he was a bit extreme in the last debate he was also a strong advocate for his views. Not so much tonight.

Yet again, Romney is crushing the competition with graciousness while everyone snipes at Perry. His primary strategy is brilliant.

Santorum is doing a great job of damaging his opposition, especially Perry, but not scoring many points for himself. His best moment looked like an endorsement of Newt.

Newt is good, but he is angling for a cabinet position or VP selection right now.

[Professor S]

I get the feeling that Rick Perry says "then you can have an intellectual debate..." when he wants to avoid having one. Overall, I found him to be very weak thus far.

[Bond]

I think Huntsman is coming off well. The real question is why doesn't Peggy Noonan run for president?

The exchanges between Perry and Paul are incredibly awkward.

[Professor S]

Originally Posted by Bond

I think Huntsman is coming off well. The real question is why doesn't Peggy Noonan run for president?

I get the opposite impression. There is something about him that irks me, and its not policy driven. Something about his delivery is... snooty?

And not to defend Perry, but Social Security IS a type of ponzi scheme, although I wouldn't necessarily define it as fraudulent.

[Bond]

Hrm... I don't think he's snooty personally. I like Huntsman, but he's not going to catch on in the current political climate.

Anyway, Bachmann is out. Perry says too many "out there" things. Romney wins.

Also, the moderator from Politico was about as good at public speaking as I was in high school.

[Professor S]

Overall thoughts:

Huntsman - He is the strongest moderate but he needed to be a stronger advocate of his moderate beliefs. He is trailing badly and needed to come out strong and be specific. He did neither.

Romney - Another strong outing. He came off as fiscally conservative, but also pragmatic in terms of entitlements. He is great at rising above bickering and looking presidential.

Bachmann - Stick a fork in her, she's irrelevant. Perry sucked all the wind out of her sails.

Santorum - Plays a great spoiler. He did serious damage to Perry.

Gingrich - Always knowledgeable, but he seemed to spend a lot of time complementing everyone else. As if to ask: "Can I be VP?"

Cain - Much better, but still not the breakout he needed.

Perry - He had a few bright spots, but overall I thought he performed terribly. His comments on social security being a ponzi scheme will kill him with seniors. I expect his numbers to drop in upcoming polls.

Paul - Twitchier than usual, and did he really warn the American people that a border fence could be used to make America a prison and keep people IN? Ooof, he really can't keep the crazy in check very long, can he?

[Bond]

Agree with most of your observations. Have to say the joyous reaction to Texas leading the country in executions was very odd and definitely made me feel uncomfortable watching.

[Professor S]

The moderators were terrible, and the questions asked often bordered on ridiculous. Questions to Santorum about the poor based on Catholicism? Asking Perry is he could "sleep well at night" with his record on the death penalty? These weren't questions, they were accusatory statements hidden in an interrogative.

Also, a hard 1 minute time limit for answers needs to go. I often felt the candidates avoided conversational answers due to the strict time restraints. For the most part all we got were talking points and re directions to previous questions. I'll say it again: The FoxNews debate need to be used as a model going forward. If the candidate is substantive or if candidates are addressing each other, let them go. I hate it when moderators try to make a debate an interview and take over the conversation. It's about the candidates, not the moderator's questions.

[Bond]

Headline of a podcast I listen to (Coffee & Markets): "Whose Idea Was it to have MSNBC Host a Debate?"